Officiating Philosophy in Refereeing: Principles and History

1. Using Power Point Program 1. Select ‘Slide Show’ from the top menu. 2. Select ‘View Show’. 3. i) Use Arrow keys (← or ↑) to go back one slide. ii) Use Arrow keys (→ or ↓) to go ahead one slide.

2. MISSISSAUGA OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION Presented by George Zielinski CLINIC Presented by George Zielinski Slides created by Glenn Stevenson (MTFL)¤

3. Mississauga Officials AssociationReferee Clinic Clinic for Officials Welcome Our objectives are: Introduction - Flag and Touch Football • to develop new officials • to explain the roles of an official • to supply the resources needed to grow as an official

4. Continuum - Parameters Acceptable Comment Unacceptable Comment Swearing Asking for explanation Threatening Disagreeing with call Personal Attack

5. LEVEL 1 • History • Officiating Philosophy • An Original Referee • Analogies • Basics • Continuum & Parameters • Ideal Official • DOs & DON’Ts • Comments to Players • Certification Program

6. Officiating Philosophy A PHILOSOPHY OF OFFICIATING • A clear, thorough understanding of one’s overall responsibility is a must for every first-class official. 2.Rules give meaning to the game. Their purpose is to prevent a player from taking an unfair or illegal advantage of an opponent, from causing injury to an opponent, and from acting in a manner detrimental to the game. 3. A good official must be concerned with not only the action (foul), but also its effect upon the play. Good example: Hand contact by defensive player covering a pass. 4. With rules applied literally, a foul occurs on nearly every play. Result - a hopeless situation for all concerned. 5. If a player is placed at a disadvantage by an opponent's foul, the opponent should be penalized. However, if the foul has not affected the game, it likely should be ignored. The unfair act was merely incidental. 6. Put another way: If a foul does not affect the progress of the game, the game should not be spoiled by a penalty. To accept this philosophy, an official must have a complete understanding of the game, including the effect of his/her decisions upon players and coaches.

7. History HISTORY Referee – root word is ‘refer’ – meaning ‘to submit to an authority for consideration, help, decision or action’ 14th Century - "All things are reduced to nothingness and uncertainty without a ruler” (an official) In the legal system, ‘officials’ interpreted and applied laws. Today, in sports’ competitions, officials apply the ‘laws’ of the game. There were officials in 776 BC in the Olympics in Greece. England was the first nation to use ‘officials’ in sports in the early 1800’s. Some 20 years later officials were adopted by North American sports. Today, training of game procedures and rule knowledge is more advanced and necessary in our competitive world of sport.

8. Officiating Philosophy A PHILOSOPHY OF OFFICIATING Key Elements To flag, or not to flag: that is the question: • incidental vs intentional or careless/negligent/dangerous act • degree of severity – insignificant vs significant • advantage gained by the foul • degree to which a foul needs to be brought • to the attention of both teams/all players

9. One of the Original Referees One of the Original Referees Speaking of history, some of you may know one of the most famous referees of all time – this Referee was affectionately nicknamed ‘Goldie’. I’m sure most of you, if not all, know Goldie. Even kids today know this official who first came to light in the mid 1800’s. This well-known official is better known as...

10. Porridge Bed Chair Contact Tag Catch Too soft Too soft Too cold Not close Ball above turf Early Goldilocks Just right Just right Just right Coincidental At turf level Just right CONTINUUM CONTINUUM Too hot Too hard Too hard Late Ball hits turf Too hard

11. Goldilocks Chair Porridge Bed Contact Catch Tag Touch Football Official Observe, Assess, Report

12. Analogies Your job as a referee is to determine what is, and what isn’t, acceptable – acceptable based on the rules and principles outlined in the Rulebook. Goldilocks Too hard Too soft Just right Too cold Too hot You need to determine: What on the continuum you believe to be in the ‘acceptable range’. Keep in mind, what is too hot for one person, is too cold for someone else; and yet is just right for another. Not unlike the thermostat setting in most homes. Ideally, your range of what is acceptable, is somewhere in the middle. Knowing this, you might have to alter your range of acceptability so that you don’t frustrate the other occupants in your home / players in the game; and you don’t wear out your thermostat / your whistle and flag! In determining the range of acceptability, we can’t be ‘overly sensitive’. If our parameters are too restrictive and our range of acceptability is too small, we will not have the success we envision. If Goldilocks only accepted 30 to 31º C for her porridge, most porridge would be outside this range – she would be a waiter’s nightmare!

13. Continuum - Parameters Behaviours can be considered as being within a range or on a continuum based on severity. On that continuum, behaviours can be categorized – acceptable/unacceptable.

14. Continuum - Parameters Tag Made Hard Tag Missed Tag Model Tag Very Hard Violent Not close Very close Areas of Ambiguity and Controversy

15. Continuum - Parameters In Bounds Out of Bounds

16. Continuum - Parameters Onside Off-side No Flag No Flag Flag Not seeking an advantage; unaware of off-side status; line of scrimmage unclear

17. Any non-positive comment Continuum - Parameters No Flag Flag Acceptable Comment Unacceptable Comment Positive comment This is too restrictive Overly sensitive

18. Popularity Jack-Be-Nimble Money to taxes

19. Review Basics know the rules then, use (OAR) Observe, Assess, Report Goldilocks Continuum know that behaviour is on a continuum Parameters determine action’s acceptability Taxes don’t expect agreement or acceptance Jack-Be-Nimble move on

20. Review Basics know the rules then, use (OAR) Observe, Assess, Report Goldilocks Continuum know behaviour is on a continuum Parameters determine action’s acceptability Taxes don’t expect agreement or acceptance Jack-Be-Nimble move on

21. THE IDEAL OFFICIAL What do you believe are the important qualities of the ideal official? We’ll compare the list you create, with the list we have created. What do you believe are the important qualities of the ideal official?

22. THE IDEAL OFFICIAL 1. Knows the rules and his/her responsibilities thoroughly. 2. Is in good condition. 3. Looks professional – attire and equipment. 4. Remains calm. 5. Has a confident manner. 6. Has a good reaction time. 7. Is consistent in his/her calls. 8. Uses good judgement. 9. Is cooperative with other officials. 10. ATTENDS CLINICS LIKE THIS ONE!

23. DOs and DON’Ts 1. Keep close to the play - look in. 3. Don't call what you don't see. 4. Don't call in anticipation. 5. Never threaten a coach or player - caution. 6. Never lose your temper. 2. See the whole scene - not just part. How many animals can you recall? What was the message represented by each individual animal?

24. DOs and DON’Ts 1. Keep close to the play - look in. (snake) 2. See the whole scene - not just part. (hawk) 3. Don't call what you don't see. (owl) 4. Don't call in anticipation. (frog) 5. Never threaten a coach or player - caution. (lion) 6. Never lose your temper. (mountain goat)

25. DOs and DON’Ts Snake 1. Keep close to the play - look in. Hawk 2. See the whole scene - not just part. 3. Don't call what you don't see. Owl Frog 4. Don't call in anticipation. Lion 5. Never threaten a coach or player - caution. Mountain Goat 6. Never lose your temper.

26. Comments to Players Before responding to players, know that: • Close calls will be contested.

27. Comments to Players Before commenting, know that: • Close calls will be contested. • Players want to win – they have an emotional attachment – it is a sports event - players will be emotional.

28. Comments to Players Before commenting, know that: • Close calls will be contested. • Players want to win – they have an emotional attachment – it is a sports event - players will be emotional. • Therefore, you can expect comments, questions, complaints, reaction to calls. You’ve made a decision - a call, that players disagree with - expect a reaction that may be unfavourable.

29. Comments to Players Before commenting, know that: • Most players do not know the rules – most have not studied the rulebook like you have!

30. Comments to Players Before commenting, know that: • Most players do not know the rules – most have not studied the rulebook like you have! • Players are seeking an understanding of your call, interpretation, ruling.

31. Comments to Players Before commenting, know that: • Most players do not know the rules – most have not studied the rulebook like you have! • Players are seeking an understanding of your call, interpretation, ruling. • - Therefore, you should explain your call • to avoid confusion and misunderstanding, and to help develop the game and players’ understanding of the rules.

32. Comments to Players Before commenting, know that: You may have made the ‘wrong’ call (missed a tag, missed interference, called a trapped ball a completion, etc.) but which may (or may not) have been the ‘right’ call from your vantage point! It may have been a very reasonable assessment.

33. Comments to Players Before commenting, know that: • You may have made the ‘wrong’ call (missed interference, called a trapped ball a completion, etc.) but which may (or may not) have been the ‘right’ call from your vantage point! It may have been a very reasonable assessment. • It doesn’t hurt to qualify your explanation or admit that you may have ‘missed the call’. • Players appreciate the openness and honesty.

34. Comments to Players Know that you should: • Be polite.

35. Comments to Players Know that you should: • Be polite. • Stay calm, detached, objective.

36. Comments to Players Know that you should: • Be polite. • Stay calm, detached, objective. • Explain your rulings when appropriate so that your call is understood by captains – especially controversial calls and calls that are based on rulings that are not common knowledge.

37. Comments to Players Know that you should: • Be polite. • Stay calm, detached, objective. • Explain your rulings when appropriate so that your call is understood by captains – especially controversial calls and calls that are based on rulings that are not common knowledge. • Avoid being confrontational; avoid being antagonistic.

38. Comments to Players “Come on Ref, you gotta be kidding!” “Rule 11, Section 16, Sentence 3 states: “A shove, a heavy handed slap or a swinging arm slap when touching the ball carrier shall be considered a personal foul.” Now, having witnessed the aforementioned defensive player, hereafter referred to as #24, raise his right hand and swing with a perceived violent downward manner which, by the way, evoked a startled facial response and subsequent grimace from #24 – who quite frankly, had he known that he was going to be so rudely assaulted, would have taken a more defensive posture - it became apparent that a clear and unequivocal response by yours truly was warranted; therefore, without undue delay I tossed, most appropriately I might add, my crimson rectangular cloth to the somewhat parched turf. Clearly I appropriately enforced Rule 11, Section 16, Sentence #3. …Oh, my, look at the time, three minute warning!” Situation You throw a flag for a rough tag midway through the 4th quarter in a close game. Player’s Comment • Controversial call • Hard tag may influence outcome of game • Players are emotional and intense • You need to respond to the comment Your Thought Process How Should You Respond? “No, I’m not kidding. Didn’t you see the flag?” Confrontational and antagonistic

39. Comments to Players OR Brief Objective comment: you state what you observed Sir, I called a rough tag because I saw the player’s hand strike his opponent. Explanation of rule is provided Polite – ‘sir’ is used

40. Comments to Players Come on Ref, you gotta be kidding! Rough tag called. Situation Pass Interference Ref, what’s that flag for?! Player’s Comment You’re not a captain, are you? I don’t want to hear from you. Response X No, I’m not kidding. Your team-mate interfered with the receiver. I will discuss it with your captain(s). Sir, I called a rough tag. I saw the player’s hand strike his opponent. Response √

41. Comments to Players Situation Missed Tag Player’s Comment Ref, you can’t be serious?! Response X You better believe it! Sorry, I didn’t see a touch so I didn’t call it. Response √

42. Situation Personal Foul - Contacting QB’s arm during throwing motion Player’s Comment What kind of sh** call is that?! ANTAGONISTIC -promotes confrontation- A damn good one! Response X Okay, that gives you an OC. One more word and I’ll give you another OC. -no warning -overly restrictive ultimatum -shows respect for player -cautions player -explains call briefly -encourages game to keep going and avoids delay Please, watch your language. Response √ The QB’s arm appeared to be contacted. We’ve made our call; we’re moving on.

43. Comments to Players Situation PERSONAL VERBAL ATTACK Player’s Comment You’re a piece of sh__. You’re a f__ing ___! Response √ I beg your pardon? Throw your flag Excuse me? Now, watch your language. Call Penalty for Objectionable Conduct Write a report on game sheet

44. Response to Players Situation PLAYER(S) IS / ARE BECOMING UNRULY Response √ Call a Referee’s Time-Out Call a meeting with Captains • Express concern to Captains • Give them time to talk to team-mates • Resume the game • Less leniency with player conduct

45. Comments to Players BRIEF √ Qualities of Good Responses √ OBJECTIVE COMMUNICATE RULING POLITE MAY OFFER WARNING RESPECTFUL

46. Certification Program • You can only move ahead one level per year, • except in special instances. Minimum exam scores for level advancement 2. You may write a Level exam up to twice a year. 3. If you fail to obtain the necessary mark to become an official on a Level exam in one year, you may write that same Level the following year. 4. You must receive a ‘satisfactory’ ON-FIELD EVALUATION to receive a LEVEL 3 or the LEVEL 4 (internal MOA) certification.

47. Certification Program Determining factors for officials at Level 3 and MOA Level 4 • knows and understands rules • is physically fit • demonstrates good mobility • shows good judgement • maintains effective game control • handles pressure situations effectively • receives solid ‘on-field’ evaluation(s)

48. LEVEL 1 Special Attention Main resource for topics not covered at this Level 1 clinic is the MOA Training Manual Recommendation is to review the entire manual. Suggest reading the topics listed below: 1. The Job Page 1 2. The Fundamental Aim Page 2 & 3 3. Summation of the "Job" Page 16 4. Teamwork Page 19 - 21 5. Head Linesperson's Duties and Positioning Page 38 - 41 6. Positioning Charts - 3 person crew – Head Linesperson

49. LEVEL 2 Main Focus Back Umpire Rule Review

50. Back Umpire – The Safety I love playing in the Sea Division! I have to cover the deepest receiver You’re not getting deeper than me! I’m goin’ really deep I better get over to my sidelines Nice catch! There goes the ball!